Complete Guide: Using Qantas Frequent Flyer Points

Learn everything you need to know about how to use Qantas Frequent Flyer points

Qantas is the leading airline carrier in Australia, with a brand image that has over the years become associated with the image of the country itself. Qantas operates a large number of flights, both domestic and international, and offers discounted flights via the Jetstar brand. If you have to fly around a lot for business purposes, or simply enjoy travelling, then you stand to gain a lot from the Qantas Frequent Flyer program.

This is a membership program which rewards customers of Qantas by providing the option of redeeming points. You earn Qantas Frequent Flyer points through a variety of ways, mostly by booking tickets and flying through a participating airline, but also through purchase of air fare with special airline reward credit cards. Assuming you have racked up enough frequent flyer points you might be looking at the best way to use them, our detailed guide will help you in that regard. If you haven't collected enough points, or are not even a member of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program yet, then this comprehensive guide will spell out all the different ways you can use your collected points, and illustrate of benefits of membership in the Frequent Flyer program.

Compare Qantas Frequent Flyer credit cards

Ways you can use your Qantas Frequent Flyer points:

Book flights

You can redeem your points by booking a one-way, return, or a complex set of flights with Qantas or any of the participating airlines. The number of points required would vary based on the flight destination and other details. Under the parlance of the Qantas Frequent Flyer membership program, this is referred to as the 'Classic Award' option.

Book any seat

If there is a seat available on any Qantas or Jetstar flight you can use your points to book that seat. This is the 'Any Seat Award' which are eligible for use on flight numbers beginning with QF or JQ.

Purchase items from the Qantas Frequent Flyer store

There is a huge range of products available for purchase from the Qantas Frequent Flyer store, numbering approximately over 1300 in total. If your points do not cover any particular item that you would like to buy, you can always use the flexible Points Plus Pay system. This is where your total purchase price is split into two parts, one part is covered by redeeming your points, you pay for the rest in cash or via credit card. With this flexible system in place no item is out of your reach, and there is no longer the need for painstakingly hoarding points with one particular product in mind.

Gift vouchers

The large array of products available in the Qantas Frequent Flyer store also make for excellent gift ideas. If you are at a loss for what to get as a gift, simply purchase a gift voucher or travel voucher from the store with your Qantas Frequent Flyer points.

Get an upgrade

You may also use your points to get a flight upgrade. Not all flights have this option though, and already discounted fares do not qualify for this upgrade (neither does 'Classic Award' flights). The flight upgrade will work on eligible domestic and international flights, depending on regular availability of seats.

Be a Qantas Club member

A Qantas Club membership will get you access to special lounges and VIP treatment at a variety of destinations and participating airlines. To give yourself a royal treat while travelling, consider spending your Qantas Frequent Flyer points on a membership for Qantas Club.

I don't have enough Qantas Points to redeem a reward

• Family transfer. Qantas' family transfer option lets you move points between family members who are members of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program. This option can be called upon once every year, for a minimum of 5000 points, up to a maximum of 100,000 points.
• Top-up points. If you don't have enough points to redeem your flight, you can consider topping up your balance by buying some extra Qantas Points. Up to 15% of the value of an Award flight can be purchased as a top-up to your existing Qantas Frequent Flyer points. As with the previous option, this can only be used once a year to purchase points. You will have to buy points in multiples of 500, and the maximum number of points that can be topped up this way is 20,000.

You can also add to your points balance by earning Qantas Points with a rewards debit card, which you can compare below.

Initial Deposit

$

Monthly Deposit

$

Period

months

Calculate

		Maximum Variable Rate p.a.	Standard Variable Rate p.a.	Bonus Interest p.a.	Fees	Min Bal / Min Deposit	Interest Earned
	Bankwest Qantas Transaction Account Earn Qantas Points on eligible purchases and on your account balance. Conditions apply.	0.01%	0.01%		$6	$0 / $0		Open More

Now that we have had an overview of the various channels through which Qantas Frequent Flyer points can be redeemed, let's dig deeper into each of the sections.

Qantas & Partner Classic Awards

A certain number of seats on selected Qantas flights, as well as those of partner airlines, are marked as Qantas & Partner Classic Award. Members can use their Qantas Frequent Flyer points to book one of these Classic Award seats for either a one-way, return, or multi-destination flight. These seats are only made available in limited quantities, and are very quickly booked out in peak holiday seasons. The same seats can also be booked via the Any Seat Award option, but different points and fees may be applicable for the same flight (or destination).

To find out how many points you need to get that Classic Award seat you've been eying for a while, hop over to the points calculator page on the Qantas website. The number of points required will be indicated on that page, valid for flights on Qantas only. For other participating airlines the number of points that have to be redeemed might vary slightly, the details of which are available in the following section of this guide, where we present the points required for different flights. If you don't have any particular seat in mind, however, but would like to see how far your existing points would get you, there is a simple calculator you can use.

There are two ways to book Classic Award flights, online or over the phone. The list of contacts for phone reservation is available on Qantas.com.au. Please note that there might be additional service fees while booking via a worldwide consultant as listed in the contact page.

In most cases you can book for these flights as late as a day before the scheduled departure time. But due to the limited availability of the Qantas Classic Award seats you should book your flight well in advance. If you need to change any booking details you can always do so later through this portal, which will let you change the date, flight time, as well as travel class. Bear in mind that any changes which add to the air fare will have to paid in the same manner of the booking, i.e., if you used points to book for the flight then you need to redeem more points for the changes, but if you paid for the fees and charges with your credit card then you have to use that card again for subsequent changes to your itinerary.

We have already mentioned the most important fee, that of booking a flight through a consultant. Known as the Award Assistance Fee, it costs a hefty 2500 points per booking for every passenger. Use the online booking facility to avoid this fee. Other service fees and charges are minor, and can be found in the terms and conditions.

Here are a few essential tips to keep in mind when booking Classic Award flights with Qantas or Participating airlines:

• Book as early as possible. These seats are limited in number and are usually booked out for holiday season
• If your desired flight is not available check back later as seats get released closer to the departure date.
• If the flight you are searching does not have a Classic Award listed, try looking for a Any Seat Award.
• Keep your Qantas Frequent Flyer membership number and PIN close at hand.

Where can I go with my Qantas Points?

These tables indicate how many points you'll need to redeem a Classic Award flight, based on the carrier, number of miles, and travel class.

Qantas Classic Award table (world-wide) excluding surcharges, fees and taxes

Points required for Qantas & Partner Classic Awards with Qantas, Airnorth, Air Pacific, Air Vanuatu, American Airlines®, Aeropelican, Brindabella Airlines, British Airways, Jetstar Airways and QantasLink.

Partner Classic Award table

Points required for Partner Classic Awards with Aer Lingus, Air Niugini, Alaska Airlines, Alitalia, British Airways, Cathay Pacific Airways, China Eastern, Dragon Air, El Al, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, Jet Airways, LAN, Mal©v Hungarian Airlines, Mexicana, Royal Jordanian, SAS and South African Airways.

oneworld Classic Award table

The oneworld^® Award Classic Award table is based on return flights, and will only be applicable when your Award itinerary has at least two oneworld alliance airlines apart from Qantas, and does not include any non-oneworld airlines. Qantas flights operated by Jetstar Airways (QF5000-QF5999) are excluded from oneworld Awards.

List of Qantas & Partner Classic Award Opportunities

The following tables list the Classic Award flights according to the carrier and destination. Use them to quickly locate a flight of your interest.

Australian Domestic - Qantas

International - Qantas

Classic Award Opportunities

Members of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program have another great option to book flights with their points, the Any Seat Awards. Unlike the Classic Awards these seats are not limited in number, as long as there is a seat available on any eligible flight you can redeem your points for Any Seat Award. The eligible flights include Qantas and Jetstar flights only, not oneworld alliance members or other partner airlines. In addition to that, the flight number must begin with QF or JQ for the customer to be able to book an Any Seat Award flight.

For flights on Qantas and Jetstar this award program option gives greater flexibility of redeeming points for flights when compared to the Classic Awards. Members can use their points to book such a flight for any family member or themselves. When paying for the air fare, they can use only their Qantas Frequent Flyer points, or make use of the Points Plus Pay system. It is important to note that while most seats support the Points Plus Pay option, there are a few which do not. Booking an Any Seat Award using points also requires the member to place the booking at least 24 hours before the departure time.

The number of points required to book such a flight varies, so you will have to check for yourself when it comes to purchasing. Any payment fees and surcharges during the booking process has to be paid via credit card, even when paying for the flight exclusively with Qantas Frequent Flyer points. Please note that there will be additional fees and surcharges if the Points Plus Pay method is used.

The great thing about flying on an Any Seat Award is that you can earn Frequent Flyer points on the same flight. This is only available on Qantas and Jetstar, oneworld alliance and other partner airlines do not offer airline miles or points. Also this offer might not be available for certain low fare flights on Qantas or Jetstar.

Booking a flight is easy, just login using your membership details and start a flight search. Remember to select the 'Any Seat Award' type when searching, as the Classic Award booking is made in the same way and it is easy to get the two mixed up. This is not to say that you should not compare the two offers, since some seats are available under both these Award options, with varying fares and fees. Choose the one that suits you best. The whole booking process is well documented, just follow the prompts and it should be Ok.

If you prefer, you can also do this over the phone rather than online. Please be advised that there is an Award Assistance Fee for using the phone service.

Booking for a commercial flight using your credit card can also display Any Seat Award options, if you are performing the flight search while logged in with your membership details, and if you have enough Frequent Flyer points. If you select the 'use points' option when prompted then the booking will proceed as an Any Seat Award booking instead of a commercial one. During the booking process you will also have the option to purchase carbon offsets with your saved points, which will effectively nullify your carbon footprint as a result of this flight.

Any Seat Award flights also qualify for flight upgrades, you can use your points to upgrade if it is an eligible Qantas flight with a QF flight number. You can also change your seat any time you want, subject to availability. There might be additional fees and surcharges which has to be paid in money (Credit Card, EFTPOS, or cash).

Here are a few conditions related to this award program which are worth keeping in mind:

• You cannot switch between the two award types - A Qantas Any Seat Award cannot be transferred to a Classic Award, or vice versa.
• Additional service fees or surcharges have to be paid in money - Using a credit card, BPAY, or cash. And it has to be in the same currency of the main fare.
• You cannot combine the two types of award in the same booking - However, QF flights with Classic Award seats can be booked as an Any Seat Award.
• Qantas and Jetstar flights can be combined - As long as they are QF and JQ flights they can both be booked under Any Seat Award simultaneously.
• Any Seat Awards have to be booked no later than 24 hours prior to the flight departure time.

Gift Vouchers

Qantas Frequent Flyer Store offers over 1300 items to choose from, and about 90 different types of gift vouchers that members can purchase using their Frequent Flyer points. Here are the major categories of products for which you can get a gift voucher:

• books, stationery and office supplies
• tyres and car accessories
• department stores, clothing stores, and supermarkets
• fashion boutiques
• home furniture, electrical appliances, whitegoods, and other homewares
• health and beauty products, skin care etc.
• sports goods, and recreation gear.

Please note that certain items might be country specific e.g. only available for delivery in New Zealand. Please check the product descriptions and delivery terms before buying the gift voucher. Items which are market for delivery in Australia only, for instance, can only be purchased with a Qantas Frequent Flyer membership card based in Australia.

Travel Vouchers

The Qantas Frequent Flyer Store also offers travel vouchers to exciting locations. If you want to give someone the gift of a good experience instead of a physical product, this might be a perfect option. Choose from any of the following categories of travel vouchers and delight your gift recipient:

• Qantas Holidays voucher. This can be redeemed for a Qantas Holidays package, which include Viva! Holidays domestic or international packages. Only available for Australian residents, and the travel has to commence from Australia too. For a detailed description and listing of the exciting locations and bargain package deals available, visit the Qantas Holidays homepage.
• Car Hire voucher. Be it for a cross-country trip or a simple weekend long-drive, a car hire voucher would surely be appreciated as a gift. Participating car rental companies include Avis, Budget, and Hertz.
• Cruise voucher. A wide range of national and international cruise destinations available from CruiseCo. Also in this category are the conveniently packaged wildlife safaris.
• Hotel voucher. Flexible hotel gift cards that range a large span of travelling and accommodation experiences. The list of participating hotels include Rydges, Hilton, all seasons, Accor hotels and many more.

Skimax voucher. For the skiing aficionados, a Skimax ski holiday would be the greatest gift ever. Multiple skiing destinations are available, choose from the Qantas Frequent Flyer Store.

Flight Upgrades

You can redeem your Qantas Frequent Flyer points to get an upgrade of an existing, eligible Qantas flight (domestic or international). Here is a summary of the possible upgrade pathways:

• Upgrade to Premium Economy from Discount Economy
• Upgrade to Premium Economy from Full Economy
• Upgrade to Business from Discount Economy
• Upgrade to Business from Full Economy
• Upgrade to Business from Premium Economy
• Upgrade to First from Business

Please note that Discount Economy Class E, N, O, P, Q and X, are not eligible for flight upgrades. The upgrade has to be performed on a confirmed and paid for Qantas flight with the QF flight number.

Flight upgrade requests are processed according to the hierarchy of membership levels. Platinum members take precedence over Gold, Gold over Silver, and Silver over Bronze Frequent Flyers. Also keep in mind that when an upgrade has been processed, the Frequent Flyer points earned on that flight will be according to the class originally booked, not the upgraded one. Also, when transferring a flight to an eligible family member, the precedence level will be determined by the membership type of the recipient, not the original buyer.

Upgrades for domestic flights are possible, and refundable with a fee if cancelled before 24 hours of departure time. As noted, certain discount economy class ticket holders and Qantas & Partners Classic Awards are not eligible for upgrades. The same restrictions apply for international flight upgrades, with additional terms. An international flight upgrade request will be accepted in the following time window: 90 days to 24 hours before departure time. Upgrades made cannot be confirmed when booked, members will have to check 5 hours before departure if the upgrade has gone through. They will also be notified during check-in. Prior to confirmation of upgrade you can revoke or cancel the request without forfeiting your points.

To find out how many points you will need to get that particular flight upgrade use this calculator. Alternatively you may consult the Flight Upgrade Award tables below which list the different upgrade paths and their costs in Frequent Flyer points.

Qantas Club Membership

Qantas Club gives members access to the very best in luxury and relaxation at multiple destinations globally. Here are some of the key benefits of membership:

• Members get access to over 130 lounges across the world in either Qantas & Partners airlines, or other associated airlines.
• They can use the business facilities and exclusive services offered in these lounges for free
• Light snacks and beverages are available
• Latest newspapers, magazines, and TV shows to help members relax and unwind in between flights
• Certain lounges also offer the possibility of taking hot showers. To view the full list of facilities available at each port visit the lounge location page.

Every Qantas Club member gets to enjoy all the above services and exclusive benefits, as well as receiving complimentary membership to the Qantas Frequent Flyer program. If you are already a member of the Frequent Flyer program, then you can make good use of your points to buy yourself or an eligible family member a Qantas Club Membership. Points can also be redeemed for the renewal of Qantas Club membership.

Top-up Points

Part of the great flexibility of the Qantas Frequent Flyer rewards program is in the various ways it rewards members. This is evident in the Points Plus Pay system which makes it that much easier to redeem points. Another illustration is the Top-up points option, which lets members purchase that slight extra points necessary to redeem an Award. Here are the primary terms regarding Top-up points:

• Members can only use top-up points once a year
• It has to be for the members themselves, they cannot top-up someone else's membership card
• Top-up points are purchased in regards to a specific Award, and cannot exceed 15% of the value of the Award
• Points can be purchased in multiples of 500, up to a maximum of 20,000 points

To top-up your points you will need to get in touch with the Frequent Flyer Service Centre. The following Top-up Points table shows you how much you need pay for different top-up levels:

Family Transfers

Another great option to make that final number of points is to a family transfer. Just like top-up points, family transfers add that extra layer of flexibility in managing and redeeming your points to their fullest potential. Here's how it works:

• You can transfer your Frequent Flyer points to a family member who is also a member
• Such transfers cannot be made more than once a year
• The minimum transfer amount is 5,000 points
• The maximum transfer amount is 100,000 points

Family transfers make good use of the accumulated Qantas Frequent Flyer points in the different cards of family members. By transferring and consolidating points into one member's account many more Awards become available for redemption or purchase.

As you can see, the Qantas Frequent Flyer program offers a host of Awards ranging from flights to gift and travel vouchers. They also make it very easy and convenient for members to earn and redeem Frequent Flyer points. All of these factors combine to make Qantas Frequent Flyer an outstanding airline choice for Australians.

Note: some of the tables used in this article have been sourced via the Qantas website as part of our research.
For the most up to date figures, please contact Qantas directly.